Choosing the first things for a newborn baby it is very easy to get confused in a huge variety of shapes, colors, models, materials. With the widest range of all kinds of goods, even choosing a tiny socks for the baby becomes a big problem. As a result, trips to virtual and real stores become a grueling task, requiring a lot of time and effort, and do not guarantee the best choice. Of course, to describe absolutely all the baby products presented in store windows is simply impossible, but at least with the first things baby try to understand.
So, the first thing you put on your newborn baby is a diaper, a vest, a onesie, socks or booties, and a bonnet. An envelope also comes in handy on the day of discharge from the hospital. Let’s consider each item separately, let’s understand how to choose and put on.
Diaper
The first and perhaps the most important difference between diapers is that they are single-use and reusable. The line of disposable diapers most widely in our country represent such brands as Pampers, Huggies, Libero. Separate article could be dedicated to diapers for swimming and potty training, but newborn babies do not need them yet, so there is no point in dwelling on them in detail here.
Disposable diapers consist of several layers. The first layer, which is soft and comfortable to the touch, is specially designed for contact with the delicate skin of small children. May have a honeycomb or smooth structure. In some models, manufacturers add balms and/or fragrances. The second layer usually contains cellulose or a special gel-forming filler. These components have a huge absorption capacity and are needed to ensure that moisture does not seep through the first layer and not come into contact with the baby’s skin. Completing the diaper is a moisture-resistant material, which protects all other surfaces from moisture from the diaper.
These diapers may have soft elastic sides for a comfortable fit, velcro fasteners for quick and easy removal and application, a variety of fun prints and colors. There are also models without closures, the so-called panty diapers. This version of the diaper is present in the ranges of all well-known brands. Choosing diapers for a newborn, you should opt for diapers with clasps. This recommendation is due to the fact that these diapers are more convenient to put on very young babies who lie down most of the time, and diaper panties are useful for older children, when the child will be actively moving.
All disposable diapers are differentiated by size, which are usually marked on the package. The specific size will correspond to the weight of the child. There is a certain weight range for each size, and it may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. For example, brands Pampers and Huggies have the same size chart, and Libero has its own marking. For a baby just born, you need to buy the smallest size, but you should not fill these diapers too much. Newborn babies grow very quickly, and soon they will need the next size. Some manufacturers also produce special diapers for premature babies. In addition, diapers are made for boys, for girls, and multi-purpose. There are no particular differences among them, it’s more a matter of personal comfort and preference.
The positive aspects of using disposable diapers include ease and convenience of use, comfortable wearing and fitting. On the negative side, considering the number of diapers you need for your baby, it can be quite expensive to buy them all the time.
Reusable diapers consist of an insert, a fixing element, and a waterproof layer. The diaper bag is the part of the diaper that absorbs moisture. It is usually made of cloth or gauze, folded into several layers. The fixing layer is needed to keep the diaper in the right place, so it doesn’t slip off. Fixing element, depending on the model and manufacturer, can be a knitted diaper (eg, diapers Disana), special underpants with ties, buttons, Velcro (TM Babyidea, Nepromokashka, Multi Diapers, Eco Poups) or even without fasteners (TM ImseVimse). The waterproof layer protects clothing, bedding, and furniture from leaks. If the first two elements usually consist of natural materials such as knitwear, flannel, gauze, cotton, as they are in direct contact with the baby’s skin, the waterproof layer may be both natural wool (to achieve the waterproof effect, wool is soaked in lanolin) and consist of synthetic materials (membrane fabric, polyester). The Disana and Babyidea brands offer coarsely knitted woollen pants as a third protective layer, Nepromokashka and Multi Diapers use a membrane fabric, while ImseVimse, Coolababy and Mum’s Era use polyester.
In addition, reusable diapers are divided into sizeless diapers and those of a certain size. In the first case, they are fixed on the body and adjusted to the shape by means of ribbons, buttons or Velcro; in the second case, different sizes are used as the baby grows. Diapers with a specific size usually fit much better on a baby, but the first option is more economical.
Reusable diapers are less convenient to use, require washing and drying, do not guarantee dry skin, but are more natural and economical. And they can be purchased in one piece
sets and use for quite a long period of time.
Undershirt, scrunchies, blouse
With the widespread abolition of swaddling, baby nappies and sliders have replaced diapers. Such clothes do not restrict movement, do not allow the baby to overheat or overcool. Traditionally the undershirt is a short piece of clothing with a scoop. Depending on the model, it can contain fasteners, buttons (rarely used, since they are not convenient enough), buttons, or be without fasteners at all. The undershirt becomes the preferred item of clothing when reusable diapers are used or when it becomes necessary to leave the baby without a diaper at all. In these situations the baby will only get the underside of the garment wet, and the undershirt will stay dry, so you don’t have to change it.
This item of clothing for babies is usually sewn from natural materials: 100% cotton jersey and chintz for summer, baize and flannel for winter. Very practical to use interlock knitwear. Interlock is a special way of weaving threads, which allows the fabric to retain its original appearance even after many washings. The sleeve of the vest may be open, sewn up or have special lapels-snaps. Open sleeves may require the additional use of special small mittens – scratch buttons. They are needed so that the baby does not hurt himself with sharp nails, but if the nails are trimmed neatly and regularly, you can do without them. The sewn sleeve itself performs the function of the scratch, but it is rather uncomfortable in the hot season, when the hands begin to sweat, and at moments of nail trimming such a vest should be removed as a whole. In addition, the sewn sleeve does not allow you to comprehend the tactile sensations, which is very important for the development of the child. More convenient and functional are undershirts, already cut with lapels-scratches. These lapels can be removed and put on when necessary.
All pouches have one drawback in common: they often bunch up and fall apart, exposing the belly or back. As soon as the child grows up, it becomes more convenient to use the blouses, so there is no need to buy a large number of vests.
A blouse differs from a vest in that it has a clasp on the whole length, which can be placed on the stomach or on the shoulder. This function can be performed by both buttons and camel buttons. The use of the latter is more preferable due to its ease of use and less bulkiness. When choosing a blouse, you must pay attention to the width of the collar, it must not put pressure and pull down the neck. Like undershirts, blouses are sewn from natural, variously dense fabrics. The range of knitwear in our country is represented by TM Bembi, Lelya, Fairy World and others.
Choosing any baby clothing for a newborn, you should be very careful about the quality of the seams. They should not injure or chafe delicate baby skin. Some manufacturers initially sew their undershirts and blouses with the seams facing outward. Also, harmful dyes must not be used under any circumstances, which is usually confirmed by the presence of a quality certificate.
Undies, bodysuits and slip-ons
The onesie is worn in addition to the undershirt or blouse. For their production are also used jersey, calico, baize, flannel, interlock. They can be distinguished by the width of the elastic at the waistband – the wider and more elastic one is more comfortable, it fits better, doesn’t press and prevents crawling (TM Fairy World, Sweet Baby). Also there are models with shoulders (TM Valerie-Tex), their use is preferable from the moment when the baby begins to actively crawl. Buttonholes can have a fastener in the form of ties, buttons or buttons, and also the buttons can be located between the legs. These models do not allow for sliding and bunching of the onesie, and are convenient when changing a diaper.
Unlike undershirts, onesies will need different sizes as your baby grows. Also do not forget about the diaper, for which there should always be room in the onesie. Also, onesies can be with an open and closed foot. A closed foot sits better on the leg and does not allow it to bare, and an open foot makes it possible to buy more sizes a little less often.
Body is a more modern version of bodywear which combines a vest, blouse and undershirt (or panties, depending on the model). They can also be made of different natural materials and have a buckle on the belly, shoulders, or between the legs. Can be dressed over the head and have the neck in the form of an overlapped fabric, which is more convenient to put on (TM Fairy World). For the autumn-winter variant a high neckline is often used in the form of a lapel or stand-up collar. Can be made with thin straps, short and long sleeves. Body bottoms come in the form of panties, shorts, long pants with or without feet. For newborns, a variant of a bodysuit with a zipper and buttons in the middle is comfortable. This model allows you to dress the body without the head (TM Orchidea)
Such clothes are more comfortable, not zakazhivaetsya, not zadiratsya, not crumpled, does not expose various parts of the body, but it is absolutely useless when using reusable diapers, as at the slightest leakage needs to change the child completely. When choosing a body, as in the case with the onesie, do not forget about the place under the diaper.
Jumpsuit, slip, “man” – different names for the same piece of clothing. This baby version of pajamas, can either be light knitted for summer, or baize, velour, terry, with fleece or insulation for the cold season. The traditional slip has a full length zipper and completely covers the arms and legs. Putting to bed in these clothes, you can not fear that the baby will open at night and freeze, that the fabric will crumple and bunch up under the baby. The buckle between the legs allows you to quickly and easily change the diaper. Just like onesies can be with a full foot, without a foot, and with pouch pockets like scrunchies.
However, in the case of leaks or regurgitation can not be replaced only part of the suit – you have to change the whole child, which is not very comfortable in cold areas. Unfortunately, it happens that some slip-ons are not very well cut and stiffen the baby’s movements, do not allow them to fully unroll their legs and spread the arms. In addition, these clothes are absolutely not designed for crawling.
For newborns, the most convenient models are those in which the clasp goes in the middle and diverges along the legs. It’s easiest to put on an infant. It’s enough to unbutton the slip completely, put the baby on it and fasten all the buttons. It’s also convenient when the buckle goes on the side of the neck to one of the legs. Less convenient variants with clasps only near the neck and between the legs, and it is better to refuse from the “man” with buttons on the back at all.
Socks, booties
Socks newborn baby needed to keep feet warm at all times and to fix the feet in a onesie or overalls. In this group of clothes there is just a countless number of variations. Socks can be fine knit, terry, wool, in different sizes, ankle-length, mid-calf and knee-length, for babies and toddlers. In our country they are produced by TM Viateks, Rubezhanskaya hosiery manufactory, etc. A variety of colors and patterns are used. For older, beginning to walk babies producers produce socks with so-called “brakes”, small rubber points on the bottom to prevent slipping.
Bootees are something in between socks and boots. Perform the same function as the socks, but do not look like an article of clothing, but like shoes. However, it is not recommended to walk in sandals, because you need real shoes with the right instep and sole.
Such shoes can be used both for everyday wear and for festive occasions. Often, booties are just a beautiful addition to a baby’s outfit. For solemn occasions like a maternity leave, a christening or a birthday party, this accessory is made especially touching and effective (TM Dais, Mimino). Elegant booties are decorated with bows, lace, embroidery, sequins, buttons, lacing, ribbons, pebbles, flowers, thermal applique.
Baby booties for everyday wear are often made of sheepskin, knitted of wool, can be supplemented with a flexible rubber or leather sole (TM Bebetto, Heitmann Felle). They may take the form of shoes, slippers, open-toed sandals, sneakers, sneakers, moccasins. The original look of uggi booties is warm, soft, large boots. There are even quite unusual models in the manner of oriental footwear with a narrow, long curved toe.
Baby shoes are fixed on a baby foot with a ribbon or lace around the ankle, can have a button fastener, strap or lace. The main requirement for the booties: that the baby feels comfortable in them, and the mother can quickly and easily take them off and put them on.
Hats, bonnets
Children’s hats can be in the form of caps, bonnets, kerchiefs. Normally, the newborn baby in the delivery room with a cap put on together with a onesie and a vest. This detail is necessary to ensure that the baby’s head is not overcooled. For such babies, the cap should have no seams at the back of the head and no extra decorations (TM Fairy World, Sweet Baby). Indoor use thin bonnets made of cotton and cotton and silk. The cap is also put under the hat for walks in cold weather. The cap is fixed either with ties under the chin or with an elastic band around the head. The second option is more child-friendly and therefore preferred.
Seasonal hats are made of terry cloth, velour, fleece, cotton knitted fabrics, thin wool (TM Dais, Vvl-Tex). In windy weather it is preferable to use a shape that covers the ears, and the lapels should be tied with ties. Winter hats can be made of natural or artificial wool, fleece, fur, down, padding. In winter it may be convenient to use a hat-helmet, it is easy to put on, does not fidget, and constantly keeps your child’s head and neck warm. In addition, a winter hat should cover at least half of the forehead, partially cover the neck and cheeks, and hide the back of his head completely.
In summer, a panama hat or kerchief is indispensable. Now they have different shapes, easy to put on and conveniently fixed on the head.
The baby nest
The baby nest is a sort of outerwear, which takes the baby outside for the first time. All envelopes are differentiated by season: depending on the time of the baby’s birth, you can choose summer, winter or demi-seasonal version. This detail of clothing is designed to protect the newborn from the cold, wind, sun and emphasize the solemnity of the moment. Therefore, baby nests are often decorated with ribbons, lace, bows and embroidery (TM Сhorette).
Summer envelopes have virtually no filler, and the product itself usually uses cotton, silk and satin. For the warm season the color scheme consists mainly of gentle pastel colors.
The demi-seasonal variants have a small filler layer, sufficient for being comfortable outside at low minus temperatures. In some models the warming layer can be easily removed or unbuttoned, and then a demi-season set turns into a summer one. The material of the product is usually cotton fabric, but you can also find velour, fleece or terry cloth.
Winter comforters have the thickest layer of insulation. For this purpose can be used natural sheepskin, sheep’s wool fleece, down, sintepon, hollofiber, hollofan. Winter models are usually dominated by darker shades with the addition of trim and lace in lighter tones.
In addition to the fabric and the composition of the filling, envelopes may differ in design. The classic classic sack envelope is buttoned up the front, center, or sides. The child simply sits in it, as on a blanket, with the front part covered and the sides buttoned up. The clasp system in this “cocoon” is usually designed so that cold air does not penetrate the construction. As the fasteners can be used zippers, straps, ribbons, buttons, Velcro, special elastic bands. In any case, the main advantage of the envelope is the ease and simplicity of donning it and ensuring a comfortable microclimate.
The baby blanket envelope is a more practical option for newborn baby clothing, as it can later be used as a rug or blanket for an older baby. Also this blanket is convenient to put in a sledge, a stroller or a car seat in winter (TM Assol, Fashionable Baby).
A convertible baby nest is a type of baby nest and usually consists of several items. When assembled is a comfortable envelope with a hood, and in the unfolded – a good full blanket and pillow (TM Assol). It can be optionally equipped with coconut fiber mattresses to create a rigid bottom to make it more comfortable to carry and hold a baby. Another option of the convertible baby nest is the envelope transforming into a jump suit with a special zipper and button system. This transformer envelope variant has sleeves, it is very practical and economical.
When choosing a baby nest, you should consider not only seasonality, color and construction of the model, but also size. For example, the cold-weather version should be spacious enough to accommodate a winter-clad child. It is also worth paying attention to the fact that rich ornamentation limits the scope of further use, so parents should decide what is more important for them: beauty or practicality?
No matter what a newborn baby wears, the warmth of his mother’s arms, care and understanding of the people closest to him will always be the most important thing for him.
